Starting Freelance Work Without a Related Degree (South Africa Guide)

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Clients hiring a junior freelancer care much more about proof that you can do the work, and reliability, than about your qualifications. You can start without a related degree. What you can't skip is the tax side, so this guide covers both.

Build proof before you need it

Take on two or three small unpaid or low-paid projects for the portfolio, not the income. Pick work that looks like the work you want to be paid for. Ask each client for a short testimonial, and write up what you did and the result.

Be reliable

For a new freelancer, reliability is a selling point. Reply quickly, agree the scope and deadline in writing, and deliver on time. Clients remember the person who finished on the date they promised.

Price on value once you have proof

Once you have a portfolio, quote based on the result the client gets instead of your hours. It's an easier sell, and it protects your rate as you get faster. Start with a fair price for your first few jobs, then raise it as your proof grows.

Sort out your tax from day one

Freelancing means no employer takes tax off your pay. You're responsible for it.

• Register for SARS eFiling so you can file your return and submit provisional tax.
• Provisional tax. SARS says any person who earns income other than a salary is a provisional taxpayer. You pay in advance, twice a year: by the end of August and by the last working day of February. You can add an optional third payment on the last business day of September. There's no separate registration any more. You request the provisional return (IRP6) on eFiling.
• Even if your income is below the threshold. SARS's provisional tax guide says people who carry on a business and earn non-salary income are generally provisional taxpayers, whether or not their income is below the tax threshold. Check with SARS, or a registered tax practitioner, what that means for your return.
• Keep records. Save every invoice, payment and business expense in one folder or spreadsheet.

Set money aside

Because nothing is deducted for you, set aside a share of every payment. As an example, if your taxable income for 2026/27 is R200,000, tax is 18% of R200,000 (R36,000) less the R17,820 rebate, which gives R18,180. That's about 9% of your income. Putting aside 10 to 15% of each payment until you know your real number is a safe habit. This is an illustration, not tax advice, and your figures will differ if you have other income or deductions.

No employer means no UIF

UIF contributions are deducted from employees' pay by their employer. If you're working for yourself, nobody is doing that for you, so build your own cushion. A few months of expenses saved is a good target.

Support for young people

The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) runs a grant programme for young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35. The 2019 guide we read says grants range from R1,000 to R200,000, and up to R250,000 for agriculture and technology projects. It also lists free mentorship and training. It says applicants should be actively involved in the business and have at least one full-time employee, so a solo freelancer may not qualify for the grant. Phone the NYDA on 0800 52 52 52 to find out what's available now.